How Do I Qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

If you have been injured and are unable to work, you may be wondering if you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. The SSDI lawyers at The Cochran Firm can review the qualifications and restrictions in detail to help you find out if you meet the eligibility requirements. Here are a few basic guidelines set forth by the federal government to determine who is entitled to SSDI benefits.

Social Security History

Most importantly, in order to receive SSDI benefits, you must have participated in employment where you paid into the Social Security program. You must have earned a certain amount of work credits to qualify, based on how long you paid into Social Security. The number of work credits you need will depend on your age when you became disabled. This information can be found on your personal Social Security Statement.

Income

You must show that you are financially in need of benefits. You cannot have income that exceeds a certain monthly amount.

Degree of Disability

You must demonstrate that you are disabled, and you should have a condition or impairment that is recognized by the federal government. People with a partial disability are not eligible; only total disabilities are covered. The Social Security web site provides an online list of disabling impairments. Secondly, you must be able to show that your impairment directly interferes with your ability to perform work-related duties and prevents you from doing your job sufficiently.

Alternative Income Potential

By using factors like your age, education, background, and skills, government representatives will check to see if there is any alternative type of work that can replace your lost trade. To be considered eligible for full SSDI benefits, you must be unable to sustain regular work.

Duration of Benefits

You are only eligible to receive benefits as long as your condition prevents you from working. If your condition or prognosis improves, and medical professionals can verify that you are able to work, your benefits will be discontinued. There are limited, continuing benefits that can be used to ease the transition until you have a steady income flow.

Visit the federal government’s SSDI qualifications page web site for more information about Social Security Disability qualifications. You may also call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.

The skilled SSDI legal team at The Cochran Firm can lead you through the disability system maze to help you get easy answers to all your questions. For your free case review, please contact a Cochran Firm Social Security disability attorney today by filling out the form on this page.